First Staffie Police Dog Is Breaking Down Negative Stereotypes

A two-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier is breaking the mould, having become the UK’s first staffie police dog.

Little Cooper lived on the streets before being rescued by the RSPCA – now he assists Staffordshire Police and, along with his human partner PC Tim Ross, has already help track down over £250,000 ($321,000) worth of drugs including heroin and cocaine.

PC Ross said: “Cooper was on the streets, he was picked up by RSPCA and was with them for seven months. It’s an amazing story – one day he was in the kennels, and now he’s a fully-fledged police dog. I have had Cooper since March 2018 and he joined the force the following month.

“I’m extremely privileged to have him – he’s an amazing dog and we have an amazing bond. It feels really good to have a staffie on the force.”

Image Credit: Caters

Ross is hoping that the duo will break down negative stereotypes built-up around the breed – that are often down to the owners of the dogs instead – and explained it’s not always made clear to the public as to what an amazing breed they are.

“Owners don’t always have experience with this breed of dog, which can be where some of the stereotypes about staffies come from,” Ross added “The houses that we go into mainly have staffies so it’s a good step to be on side with them.

“Having PD Cooper when doing a raid because it’s a great ice breaker, people are always shocked that we are working a staffie – as either they have or they know someone who has one. But it’s weird, I have a Belgian Shepherd too and people stay on the same side of the road when I’m walking him, but when I’m walking Cooper people tend to cross to the opposite side.”

Ross says the pair have an amazing bond and that Cooper has become something of a celebrity in the area – often being invited into schools and meetings with members of the public.

He said: “Staffies are very unique. I can say with PD Cooper he is very keen to learn and eager to please, he has a very high ball drive, and is very energetic. These are what is looked for in a working dog.

“Cooper was immediately welcomed into PC Moss’ family as a family pet, not just a working dog. He said: ‘When people found out I was getting a staff, they were made up. My partner and child love him.

“When I heard there was a staff coming into the force, straight away I knew I’d love to have him. We have an incredible bond.”

Cooper is breaking down barriers and instilling positive thoughts about the breed – all in all, he’s clearly good at his job and a very good boy.

Featured Images Credit: Caters

This article was first published on LAD Bible and you can read it by clicking here.